Pictured above, ECU Chancellor Steve Ballard talks with Robert Morrison, distinguished professor in the Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, and his daughter Dr. Deborah Thomson during the ECU 2012 Engagement and Outreach Scholars Academy graduation ceremony held Dec. 5 at East Carolina University.

Thomson was one of 10 participants in the academy, a program to cultivate engaged scholars who can be leaders in their professions while working with communities to improve quality of life.

The Office of Public Service and Community Relations offers several academies for students and faculty to plan and conduct the scholarship of engagement. After a peer selection process, scholars attend a series of workshops, complete a research proposal, and implement the research with a community partner.

Thomson has partnered with Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation and a research team including graduate assistants and EC scholars who will investigate how puppets can be used to debunk junk food advertising and promote healthy eating among young people.